keep it or sell it?

"wantafuncar" (wantafuncar) 03/11/2020 at 21:53 • Filed to: acura tl, Selling Cars

1

34

I drive a 05 tl. It has 95k on it. It is in good to very good shape overall, but has started having some work needed & failures that can often come with age.

KBB places retail around $6,000 and trade in around $2,800. I just put appx. $2,000 into repairs and work. It needs a steering rack. I do not want to do this myself - the shop quoted my $1,900. They said I have some time before it goes 100% so I’m driving it for now. Two separate shops have told me the exact same thing with similar pricing quotes. Today the A/C stopped working. It is not even remotely cool and seems like it isn’t working at all (and it wasn’t that hot today) . I had it recharged last year. Cosmetics are not perfect - dash is cracked, dead pedal needs replacement, glove box clips are failing (will cause glovebox to fall down if not opened exactly right), two of the switches have faceplaces missing, curb rash, etc.

I’m considering getting rid of it but I always have a hard time deciding when to get rid of an older car and when to keep putting money into it. On the one hand, I could put in the apprx. $5000 ($2k already spent, $2k on the rack, estimated $1k on the a/c) and get 50-100k out of it relatively trouble free.  Also this is cheaper than anything I’d buy and I like driving the car.  O n the other hand, it is 15 years old with nearly 100k and it could keep having issues crop up. I am moderately OK with DIY in terms of work, but something like a steering rack is beyond what I can reasonably attempt. Also, right now I do not have time to fool with extens ive repairs.

What does oppo think?

sony1492 > wantafuncar 03/11/2020 at 22:10

3

Move on to something newer, even though the mileage isnt that high your going to keep having old car problems after putting 5k into it. (Electronics wearing out, fuel pump, bushings etc)

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > wantafuncar 03/11/2020 at 22:16

0

That’s rough.

So basically t he steering rack plus the AC will likely be over the value of the trade-in. I think I would get rid of it because:

[I could have everything fixed] and get 50-100k out of it relatively trouble free [miles]

is sadly a potentially expensive assumption on your part. Cars have a lot of stuff going on and there’s no shortage of things that can break. Let’s not forget already-necessary services and looming service items (brakes and suspension) that will rear their head. Yes, that’s true on any car, but I’ve often found hanging onto something when you have doubts (cars, relationships, pretty much anything) is usually the wrong call. I’m all about cutting those losses... Now the tough part: getting a good replacement to validate your decision.

My two cents.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > sony1492 03/11/2020 at 22:18

8

But for God’s sake, don’t buy a Mini.

boredalways > wantafuncar 03/11/2020 at 22:19

0

Unfortunately, I agree with Sony. Sad to know a low mileage TL is possibly on its last leg, but it would best to move on.

You never know, you might be able to sell it for ~$4000  to a young kid that has time to fix it themselves.

jminer > wantafuncar 03/11/2020 at 22:22

0

This is a tough one, but once repairs on a used car worth under $5k creep above the $1k mark I decide to get rid of it.

Now full disclaimer I’ve p ut for more money than the above guidelines into project cars, but that’s my rule for daily drivers.

My advice is to think about looking at replacing it, but don’t stretch your budget.  If you can’t afford (or shouldn’t) the $300 a month loan for a ~$12k car then fix what you have and hope for the best.

sony1492 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 03/11/2020 at 22:24

2

None newer the 06 at least

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > jminer 03/11/2020 at 22:26

2

What you save in repairs you spend on interest and insurance and Dee preesh. Or there's trade-off.

jminer > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 03/11/2020 at 23:13

0

Yeah it’s tough, I made the call a few years ago though to have a daily that I don’t have to work on though and don’t regret it.

I also am pretty fanatical about what I buy vehicle wise and spend months looking, driving and waiting for the right vehicle at the right price so I both enjoy it more and if all goes well it lasts a good while trouble free.

shop-teacher > wantafuncar 03/11/2020 at 23:15

0

Oh man, that's a tough spot. I would probably get rid of it, unless you really love it.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 03/11/2020 at 23:28

1

A BMW made in the UK, what could go wrong ?

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 03/11/2020 at 23:30

0

But it’s a Honda, I’ve had very little go wrong with the four Hondas/Acuras I’ve had. I had a 94 Accord that I know is still on the road with no major repairs in Hawaii. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > wantafuncar 03/11/2020 at 23:30

2

Fix the steering and drive with the windows down.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > shop-teacher 03/11/2020 at 23:32

1

Yeah if it’s just a sedan that you don’t care about too much, any other good sedan should do. I looked for a wagon so I am keeping mine! If something ever happens to my engine I’m swapping in the V6 that was available on the sedan TSX. 

Jim Spanfeller > wantafuncar 03/11/2020 at 23:47

3

Solution: Buy an even older car. If it’s old enough and interesting enough, the little quirks and problems will be worth it. And chances are it’ll be simpler, and therefore easier to fix. Find yourself something like a Volvo 850.

Reliable... Interesting... Fun... Swedish... Wagon... You know you want it. Don’t fear the old Volvo wagon. You need not resist the pull of the majestic Swedish brick. It calls out to you. It wants you to own it. It is a simpler way, and it could be yours. Come to the dark side, we have Volvos.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > jminer 03/11/2020 at 23:59

0

Same. And I buy them without a bunch off features. 

Long_Voyager94 > wantafuncar 03/12/2020 at 06:58

0

I could put in the apprx. $5000 ($2k already spent, $2k on the rack, estimated $1k on the a/c) and get 50-100k out of it relatively trouble free.

You answered your own question right here. You’re easily going to spend more than that on a new/newer car, which if buying another used car isn’t guaranteed to be any better.

Long_Voyager94 > sony1492 03/12/2020 at 07:00

0

Newer =/= Less issues, especially if it’s also going to be used.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > wantafuncar 03/12/2020 at 08:25

0

Have you done the timing belt yet? If yes, probably keep for another 50-100k, if not sell. That’d be an extra $1500, and at $6500, plus maybe $2500 on CL, you’d have a decent chunk of changer for something newer

sony1492 > Long_Voyager94 03/12/2020 at 11:02

0

N ewer means less wear related issues though

wantafuncar > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 03/12/2020 at 11:11

0

Yeah, I live in the s outh & work in a professional environment where I can’t show up sweating . Windows don’t cut in anymore in short amount of time (almost summer) .

wantafuncar > Long_Voyager94 03/12/2020 at 11:12

0

My point was I’d be guessing that I will. I don’t know that I’ll get another 50 -100k out of it. I’m guessing based on Honda/Acura’s reputation for reliability.

wantafuncar > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 03/12/2020 at 11:13

1

Timing belt was changed.  I do worry about other things though.  Example: it has original shocks & all suspension, original clutch, original radiator, etc.

wantafuncar > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 03/12/2020 at 11:14

0

Mini it is! I’m sure I can find one that’s been raced before.  That’ll work 

wantafuncar > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 03/12/2020 at 11:17

0

I don’t know that I’ll get another 50 -100k out of it trouble free . I’d be guessing based on Honda/Acura’s reputation for reliability.

I suspect I may have several items go in the next 50-100k (original clutch, original suspension, original radiator, these cars are known for motor mounts, etc.).  It is already on its second set of axles, for example.

Long_Voyager94 > sony1492 03/12/2020 at 11:59

0

Not necessarily.

And making that assumption is how so many people end up making payments on a broken down vehicle.

History of the vehicle is far more important than year or miles regarding how long it will last.  

Long_Voyager94 > wantafuncar 03/12/2020 at 12:03

0

This is the gamble you take on any used vehicle. You know this vehicle and it’s history.

Just because something is newer doesn’t mean it’ll last longer, you could buy a 30k mile 2018 that’s been piss pounded and poorly maintained that goes to hell before you get it to 50k.

Then you’re stuck with a payment and no money to fix the “new” vehicle’s issues.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > wantafuncar 03/12/2020 at 16:13

0

I’d probably ditch it then. You could easily sell it for $3000 if it’s a manual, even with it needing work.

wantafuncar > Long_Voyager94 03/12/2020 at 19:16

0

I do not necessarily agree. For sake of argument, say you are right. Then I’m playing the odds either way. If i buy another vehicle (with a comparable or better reputation for reliability), and it is 12 - 15 years newer, odds are significantly higher that newer vehicle will not have problems (or wear items) for 7 - 12 years. I’ve sunk cost to do that, yes. But I would have also sunk costs into a 15 year old vehicle to keep it running. Either way there is no return on investment.

Long_Voyager94 > wantafuncar 03/13/2020 at 07:10

0

Your biggest issue lies in paying someone to do the work for you. The most expensive replacement rack is $381 through Rockauto, reman units can be bought for under $200. . I find it quite hard to believe it’s $1500-1700 worth of labor to replace one.

People on the TL forums say it costs around $800 to have one replaced, $300 for the rack, $500 for labor.

So quite frankly, I’d say find a better mechanic that doesn’t rip you off.

wantafuncar > Long_Voyager94 03/13/2020 at 11:48

0

I went to two different mechanics. I thought it was pretty common knowledge that shops don’t charge rockauto prices for parts. I’m sure the part price was higher but I’d have to go back and check. Both shops quoted in that same neighborhood.

On labor, I pulled the factory service manual. You have to drop the subframe and the entire front end to replace the rack. That is more labor than I want to do and more risk than I want to tackle.

“Shop around” is good advice.  Thanks.

Long_Voyager94 > wantafuncar 03/13/2020 at 12:22

0

Maybe prices are just high as F@#$ in your area. But rack replacement costs were listed on a few TL forums, $800-1000 seems the going rate for most people.

Most shops go through a local parts chain, such as Orielly’s. Even they’re only at $260-400 for what most shops would install, so not far off RA prices .

Like I said, shop around. You may find your mind changes when fixing your car only costs $1500 instead of $3-4k.

Either way, I wish you luck!

wantafuncar > Long_Voyager94 03/13/2020 at 15:32

1

I’m scheduling an appointment with another shop that was recommended and has good reviews.  Might as well see what they quote on the rack and the a/c.  I appreciate your help.

wantafuncar > Long_Voyager94 03/13/2020 at 20:53

0

i checked the quote - it listed the rack as $129 0. this place is apparently gouging me. the other shop wasn’t far off (can’t recall exact quote because it was a couple of months back). i’m still going to get that third quote. thanks again

Long_Voyager94 > wantafuncar 03/16/2020 at 07:05

0

No problem.

Shops pull shit like this all the time unfortunately. Crap like this combined with straight up incompetence is why I no longer let anyone else touch my vehicles.